Evaluation of the Potential Impacts of Launches of the USAF Atmospheric Interceptor Technology (AIT) Test Vehicle from the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC) on Threatened and Endangered Species of Wildlife. Launch of AIT on 5 November 1998, 1632 Hrs. PST. Noise Monitoring Results

Abstract

As part of the monitoring and mitigation obligation of the United States Air Force (USAF) atmospheric interceptor technology (ait) program Environmental Assessment, the USAF has conducted noise monitoring at the Kodiak Launch Complex, Kodiak Alaska. Two special status species, Steller's eider and Steller Sea Lions; both federally listed as threatened and endangered species are of concern at the launch site. As a result, sound measuring and recording instruments were placed at three strategic locations. The frequency content of the noise event was mostly below 4 kHz with a substantial amount of energy at frequencies of 100 to 500 Hz. We have compared the measured A weighted sound levels (ASEL) and the A weighted maximum sound pressure levels (Lmax) to prelaunch calculations of the sound level contours. The measured sound levels were similar to the calculated values, within the limits of the predictions. The effects of the launch noise on the endangered species will be discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 05, 1998
Accession Number
ADA414326

Entities

People

  • Brent S. Stewart

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Birds
  • Endangered Species
  • Environment
  • Environmental Assessment
  • Frequency
  • Marine Mammals
  • Measurement
  • Monitoring
  • Natural Resources
  • Sea Lions
  • Sound Pressure
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Vehicles
  • United States
  • Vehicles
  • Wildlife

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Acoustics.
  • Marine Mammal Biology
  • Missile Defense Systems.